Electricians and dockworkers in Sweden have joined forces to increase the pressure on Tesla to sign a collective bargaining agreement with its mechanics. This comes after the automotive workers’ union, IF Metall, initiated a strike against the electric vehicle manufacturer three weeks ago. The strike aims to secure better pay and working conditions for the 120 mechanics employed by Tesla in Sweden.
In a show of solidarity, dockworkers at multiple ports have refused to unload cars from ships, while electricians have halted repair work at Tesla’s charging stations. This escalation emphasizes the influential role of organized labor in Sweden, where collective agreements cover the majority of employees. Tesla does not produce vehicles in Sweden, but the country has seen significant sales of the Tesla Model Y, making it the best-selling new car in the market this year.
While Tesla claims to follow labor laws in Sweden, the company has chosen not to sign a collective agreement. Despite the ongoing strikes, Tesla has managed to adapt by bringing in alternative mechanics and transporting vehicles by truck, mitigating the impact of the labor actions.
Unions in Germany, where Tesla has a gigafactory, have expressed solidarity with the striking workers in Sweden. However, Tesla’s leadership has not engaged with the German autoworkers’ union, IG Metall. The strikes in Sweden have inspired German workers to consider organizing themselves into a union, signaling a potential shift in the labor dynamics within the company.
Looking ahead, IF Metall plans to stage additional strikes in Sweden. Next week, 50 members of the union employed at Hydro Extrusions, a company that manufactures an aluminum component for Tesla, will walk off their jobs. While the collective actions by unions are causing disruptions, Tesla continues to operate and seek alternative solutions to maintain its business operations.
FAQ
Q: How many members of IF Metall are employed by Tesla in Sweden?
A: Roughly 120 mechanics working for Tesla in Sweden are members of IF Metall.
Q: Does Tesla produce cars in Sweden?
A: No, Tesla does not manufacture vehicles in Sweden but provides servicing facilities.
Q: What is the best-selling new car in Sweden this year?
A: The Tesla Model Y holds the title of the best-selling new car in Sweden in 2021.
Q: How has Tesla responded to the strikes?
A: Tesla has taken measures to minimize the impact of the strikes by bringing in alternative mechanics and transporting vehicles by truck.
Q: Have unions in Germany shown support for the strikes in Sweden?
A: Yes, union leaders in Germany have expressed solidarity with the striking workers in Sweden. However, Tesla’s management has not engaged with the German autoworkers’ union, IG Metall.
(Source: Based on an article from The New York Times)